FAQs

Information is Power!

At The Plaza Dental in Scotia Plaza, we believe that education and communication are the keys to a productive patient/dental office relationship.

We understand that dentistry can be a complex topic, so we go to great lengths to educate our patients about their oral health and the steps that we can take together to maintain or recapture their healthy smiles. We also understand that everyone’s oral condition is different and with timely information and advice, we aim to help you improve your oral hygiene routine at home by presenting treatment plan alternatives to help your smile look its best.

Listed below for your reference are few questions that we are asked often. If you would like to discuss any of these questions in more detail or if you have dental questions of your own, we invite you to call us at 416-861-9990.

Q: Why is it important to visit my dentist regularily?

“A: We recommend that patients visit our office regularily to ensure their optimal oral health and to help avoid serious and costly future problems. In addition to cleaning and polishing all the visible and hidden surfaces of your teeth, we also check for many potential problems. Tooth decay, oral cancer and periodontal (gum) disease are just a few examples of problems that can have serious consequences if left undetected. In certain cases, we may even recommend 3 or 4 visits per year in order to properly treat conditions that require more regular attention.

Based on your individual oral health needs, including your risk for developing cavities and/or gum disease, we will recommend an optimal frequency of regular dental maintenance for you.
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Q: How can I help myself to prevent bad breath?

“A: According to recent studies, almost half the population of adults in North America suffers at least occasionally from bad breath (halitosis). The most common cause of bad breath is bacteria in the mouth and on the back of the tongue. These bacteria produce a volatile sulfur compound, which in turn produces a smell similar to “rotten eggs”. (Other non-dental causes of halitosis include certain foods, smoking, alcohol, hormonal changes or simply being hungry.)

If the halitosis is of oral origin, the treatment usually begins with ensuring meticulous hygiene of the mouth. Your dentist or dental hygienist will check for gum disease and, if necessary, prepare a detailed treatment plan. Tongue scraping should also become an important part of daily home care and part of your regular tooth brushing routine. (it’s easy and painless).
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Q: How is a night guard or sports guard from my dentist different from one I buy at a retail/sports store?

“A: Professionally made night guards and sport guards provided in our office are custom-made to fit the wearer’s teeth which can result in a more comfortable and secure fit. In addition, we use a heavier mouth guard material selected based upon each patient’s individual needs. The boil and bite mouth-guards that you purchase in retail stores simply can not provide the same level of protection.
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Q: How should I deal with my fear of dentists?

“A: A significant percentage of adults suffer from some level of fear of dental treatment - you can take solace in the fact that you are not alone! Given the importance of maintaining healthy teeth and gums to your overall health, it is imperative that you find a way to deal with these fears.

In our clinic we offer a range of techniques to help our patients reduce their anxiety. Here are a few ideas that you might consider:
&bullet; Visualize yourself in a comfortable place while in the dental chair – a warm sandy beach, for example.
&bullet; Avoid drinking beverages that contain caffeine before your appointment.
&bullet; Ask questions about your treatment – quite often fears of the unknown are the worst fears of all.

Our ultimate goal is to enable our patients to receive dental treatment in a comfortable state of mind. Please feel free to call our office if you would like to learn more about our unique approach.
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Q: My gums bleed when I brush. Is this something to worry about?

“A: Bleeding during brushing and flossing is often the first sign of periodontal (gum) disease. This means that your gums have become inflamed or infected as a result of plaque and tartar buildup along and below the gum lines. This condition can become very serious if left untreated and can eventually lead to receding gums and tooth loss.

The best treatment for this condition is a visit to your dentist for a thorough check-up and cleaning, followed by a complete regimen of brushing and flossing. With prompt and thorough treatment, the condition if caught early can normally be corrected. Please feel free to call our office if you have noticed bleeding during tooth brushing, or if you would like direction on proper homecare techniques.
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Q: When should a child have its first visit to the dentist?

“A: Recent studies have shown that by the age of three, a child is already at risk of having cavities which can be caused by something as innocent as putting a baby to sleep with a bottle of juice or milk. Along with taking our first look at your child’s oral condition, this first appointment is also largely focused on the parents and helping them to establish a good oral hygiene program and diet for the child. Therefore it is recommended by the Canadian Dental Association (CDA) that a child's first dental visit be within 6 months of the eruption of the first tooth. The goal is to have your child visit the dentist before there is a problem with his or her teeth.

It is a little known fact that a child's primary teeth are vital to the long-term health of their permanent adult teeth. The premature loss of primary teeth as a result of accidents or decay can cause serious problems, including poorly spaced and crooked adult teeth. A child should have his or her first dental visit 6 months after the first tooth erupts.
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